Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja
I have really been enjoying this series, and it has been one of the best series Marvel has produced over the last year. Although Spider-Man, and Wolverine are in my top three favourite characters (along with Batman), Hawkeye has always been my favourite Avenger, so it's very nice to see him in a solid solo series. Matt Fraction has really done a splendid job of making this series brilliant, and showing more of Clint Barton, rather than all Hawkeye.
Plot
This issue sees six days of Hawkeye's life. The story jumps about the place, over these days starting with him getting help from Tony Stark with setting up his TV, DVR, and other stuff. The story then jumps back to the first day in the sequence where Hawkeye decides to have a break from being a superhero after taking down a group A.I.M. goons, with Wolverine and Spider-Man. It's not long before Hawkeye gets more trouble, as the Tracksuit Mafia aren't happy with him.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and one of my favourite's out of these one-shot stories. I liked that it was a fun Christmas set story. What I especially loved about this was that it wasn't your usual Christmas set story, and just when Hawkey's wanting to have a break, trouble comes to his door. Fraction yet again did a fantastic job, and he's really dot the knack for writing great Hawkeye stories, even if they're only one-shot stories. I was however wasn't entirely sure how I felt about the issue near the start, as the jumping back and forward put me off a bit. I did however get used to it, and although I had to go back a few pages from time to time, overall I felt it was good. The reason I think this was an overall good choice was that there are some sequences that have questions which are answered in actions from the previous day, so it's better to flashback to that moment. I also liked that Fraction was able to involve the Tracksuit Mafia in this issue, as I've really enjoyed them in this series, but I'll talk more about that later in my review.
The art in this issue was excellent, and I'm happy David Aja was doing it. Although I didn't mind Javier Pulido's art in the last couple of issues Aja's is much better, and overall suits this story much more. Although Aja's art isn't the most detailed artwork out there it is still brilliant, which surprised me when I first saw it, as I don't usually like art unless it's detailed. Aja does however make up for this by having brilliant facial expressions, and emotions throughout his art, as you can really feel what mood the characters are in, whether confused, agitated, or smug. I hope Aja can continue doing the artwork on this series as much as he can as it's simply marvellous.
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| Technical Problem's |
The main story in this issue is Hawkeye trying to relax over the festive season, and make time to watch the episodes of "Dog Watch" that he's got recorded on his DVR. He initially gets help from Tony Stark in trying to untangle his DVR cables, and eventually cuts them thinking that that would solve the problem. Tony then offers to replace all his stuff, but Hawkeye refuses. I thought this was a brilliant idea, and the fact that Hawkeye is constantly being disturbed during this makes it even better. I also loved that at the start of the issue it looked like Tony, and Hawkeye were dismantling a bomb, whereas Hawkeye was just cutting a cable on his DVR. The way Tony and Hawkeye interacted was also interesting, as both characters are very different. It was nice to see Fraction writing Tony again as I loved his The Invincible Iron Man series.
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| Stupid Bro |
The Tracksuit Mafia also made an appearance in this issue threatening to kill everyone in Hawkey's building if he doesn't leave. I've loved the introduction of these characters in this series, as they've given something different, and manageable for Hawkeye to face. These villains haven't only been a good source of action for this comic, but it's also given more comic relief to the series, with them always using the word, "bro." I liked them in this issue because they went all out, and wanted to make a bold statement, as Hawkeye has stuck his nose in too much of their business. I hope that this group continues to make appearances in this series as they are funny, and due to their large numbers they prove to be a decent challenge to Hawkeye if he's on his own, or with Kate Bishop. Speaking about Kate, it was nice to see her make a small appearance in this issue, and that she talked some sense into Hawkeye, as I've been enjoying her appearances, making the series a multi-Hawkeye series.
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| Hawkguy? |
There was also a funny moment in this issue where someone repeatedly calls Hawkeye, Hawkguy, thinking that that's his name. This is funny because Fraction affectionately calls Hawkeye, Hawkguy, because that's what his kid calls him, so it was a nice touch to see thin incorporated into an issue. I also liked that no matter how hard Hawkeye tried to correct him, the guy persisted in calling him Hawkguy. Overall this was a very funny sequence, and I was happy Fraction added it in, as besides the reference to Fraction calling Hawkeye, Hawkguy, it would have still been a funny scene, the reference just made it funnier.
Final Verdict
This was a fantastic issue, and one of the best the series has produced so far. It's a fun Hawkeye issue, as well as being a good Christmas story. I would highly recommend this issue as well as the entire series, as it's been mind-blowingly brilliant, and a really fun series.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido
This has been one of the best series Marvel has brought out in the last year, and I've been loving all the different Hawkeye tales. At one point I was considering not getting this series due to budget reasons but I'm very happy I did has it's been much better than I'd ever expected, and Matt Fraction has done some marvellous work on this series.
Plot
This issue sees the continuation of the last where Hawkeye has to retrieve a tape that has him killing a terrorist on it. Hawkeye is now captured, and is attacked by ninjas whilst Kate Bishop is posing as Madame Masque, who she's got tied up in the bathroom.
Review
This is another amazing issue but not quite as good as the previous issues. I've been loving what Fraction has been doing with the series but there were a few minor imperfections that lowered the overall rating. I've also liked how Fraction has been able to add ton's on humour to this series whilst making it fun and action packed. The way this series has been more focused on Clint rather than Hawkeye has also been very nice, and I've also enjoyed seen Kate have a big role in this series, giving it multi-Hawkeye feel similar to the multiple Iron Fists in The Immortal Iron Fist. I't's also been interesting that this series hasn't used any proper villains until this story, and how even though they don't play a interfering role there have been quite a few well known villains featured in this story.
The art in this series has also been good and Javier Pulido's art has been good over the last few issues. I am however looking forward to seeing David Aja return as artist next issue as his art is much better and suits this series a lot more. As I said Pulido has however done a good job in Aja's place and his artwork over the last couple of issues, although unique has been very similar to Aja's. Pulido's art hasn't necessarily been the best I've seen and artwork with lack of detail is usually a down side for me but that doesn't affect this series too much and helps show the fun feel of the series even more. I've also liked how Pulido's added drama at certain points during this issue, giving more suspense to it, but there have also been a few points I've not liked. There is a page that has Kingpin and a HYDRA agent talking to Madame Masque, and in the second panel their faces and hands/arms are blacked out where the other panels they're not. Okay you can argue that this adds tone to the book, and it also adds an unique feel but I think it's not quite right and should have been left out. Other than that Matt Hollingsworth has once again added tremendous colours to this issue making the small differences between Aja and Pulido's art less noticeable.
This issue starts with Clint throwing himself out of a window to escape ninjas. Although he was stuck between a rock and a hard place when it came to choices I still think it was stupid to decide to jump through a window of a multi-story building whilst tied to a chair. An army of ninjas isn't an easy feat especially when you're tied to a chair, but unless he knew that someone was going to be there to save him it's the worse decision of the two, and he probably would have stood a fair chance against the ninjas, having all that S.H.I.E.L.D. training.
Clint however was saved by Maria Hill, who just happened to be flying by, I assume they were monitoring Hawkeye's mission. Seeing one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fancy flying scooters was nice as you don't see that sort of tech from S.H.I.E.L.D. any more and appart from the Helicarrier the hover car was one of the best things to come out of S.H.I.E.L.D., so it was nice to see something similar. I also like the acknowledgement between Clint and Hill as it shows that they can have a laugh whilst being formal.
Kate seeing the tape was also a nice addition to this issue, and I liked how we get to see her doubt if Clint tells her the truth all the time like he said he would. I've been enjoying seeing Kate in this series and although I don't know much about the character besides what I've read in this series, and the few Young Avengers comics I've read she's been a good addition, and I like how you see these different age groups in herself and Clint play of each other.
When Kate got caught by Madame Masque's henchmen it was very interesting seeing how her and Madame Masque interacted. It was also interesting to see the difference in emotions throughout the conversation being calm one minute and nervous the next. I also enjoyed seeing her and Clint fighting besides each other nearer the end of the issue, and how they had time to interact with friendly chat, whilst she asked him if he's ever lied to her.
Final Verdict
A great issue to what has been a tremendous series. Although the start to this two parter was better than the finish there isn't much between them, and if it wasn't for the minor imperfections in story and art they'd be equal. I would still highly recommend this issue and the series as it's one of the best Marvel is producing so far.
Rating: 4.5/5
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido
I have been enjoying this series so far as it's been amazing. I've been loving what Matt Fraction has been doing with this series and although I've loved all his one-shot Hawkeye tales so far I am happy that he's doing a story that lasts more than an issue, even if it's only two.
Plot
This issue sees Hawkeye get brought in by S.H.I.E.L.D. who tell him that a tape of him killing a terrorist has been put up for auction in Madripoor and that he needs to retrieve it. Hawkeye however isn't the only one after the tape, ton's of criminals are after the tape includinh Madame Masque.
Review
This was another brilliant issue of Hawkeye and I haven't been disappointed with one issue so far. Fraction has been doing a brilliant job with the characters in this series and I've been happy to see that the series is of a similar style to The Immortal Iron Fist (which he also worked on with Aja) by adding multiple Hawkeye's to the series, with both Clint and Kate Bishop. I do however like how this issue especially that Kate's role has been lessened as Clint is the main character in the series and it needs to show. I also like that although Fraction lessened her role in the issue he also found a brilliant way to involve her at the start. The main thing I liked was that Fraction made this more than a one parter. Don't get me wrong I've loved all the other issues and if I was given the option of ton's of brilliant one-shot stories or multiple issue stories that are mediocre, I'd take the one-shots easily, it's just that it's nice to see Hawkeye in a good multi issue story and I hope Fraction does an even longer story further down the line.
Although I miss seeing David Aja's art Javier Pulido's art is still very good and of a similar style to Aja's. Although Pulido's art isn't the most stunning to look at or have much detail, it is a very fun style art which suits this series perfectly. I usually dislike art that doesn't have detail in it but I can enjoy this as I love the way he treats the series making you feel all the silliness that's going on. I also loved how he drew the facial expresions in the characters espcialy whin Clint was either feeling joy earlier in the issue or discomfort when Madame Masque was searching him. Matt Hollingsworth continues to add brilliant colours to this series, and the monotone, retro fell in the colours makes this series feel more fun and stylish. Although I liked Pulido's artwork in this issue I can't wait till Aja returns as his art is simply stunning. Also got to give Aja thanks for his work on the cover. I don't know how he manages to do something that is that simple but so brilliant, whilst doing this for each issue.
The story itself was brilliant and I'm happy that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s work using black ops superheroes like Hawkeye have came back to haunt them. I also liked that Captain America was involved in this as with him being heavily involved in S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as being against terrorism it's nice to see him have a say. Although I think it makes for a great Hawkeye story I do have to question if it's fair to send Hawkeye to get this tape as it was their mess and it's him that the tape will affect the worst.
The way Clint got picked up of the street by the Helicarrier was hilarious. I also found it funny that before getting picked up he was arguing with an old guy that he wasn't an Avenger and how his argument was lost when the Hellicarier arrived. The expression on his face whilst getting taken out of the blue was also priceless, and very funny. The only thing that I thought was a bit odd though, why didn't they just call him in instead of going to all the trouble of making a big scene in the middle of a public place. I know it makes for a more dramatic scene which I'm grateful for, but the part of me that nitpicks at things questions the necessity of it.
I've always liked the Madame Masque character so it was nice and interesting to see her involvement of in this story. I usually prefer seeing the character in an Iron Man story but it was nice to see her in a Hawkeye story for a change. It was also nice to see other villains like Kingpin and and villainous groups like HYDRA and the Maggia were after this same tape showing that nothing is a secret in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s line of work and that everyone's willing to pay out their skin to have something to tarnish S.H.I.E.L.D.'s name.
Final Verdict
Although David Aja wasn't doing arts on this issue it was still good and one of the best series' Marvel is producing the now. I would highly recommend getting this issue and the series so far and am looking forward to seeing how this story concludes next issue.
Rating: 5/5
